DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED NURSING COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK: SYNTHESIZING VIETNAM’S NATIONAL STANDARDS, COMPETENCY MODELS, AND ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Abstract

Background: A comprehensive framework of nursing competencies is essential for ensuring quality healthcare and guiding nursing education, professional development, and the creation of competency assessment tools. Numerous nursing competency frameworks have been introduced worldwide to guide education and professional development. Nevertheless, these frameworks often differ significantly in structure and implementation, creating challenges in standardization and cross-contextual application. In Vietnam, the Core Nursing Competency Standards issued in 2022 define five key domains; however, with rapid advancements in healthcare, information technology, and artificial intelligence, an integrative and adaptable competency framework is needed to enhance the evaluation and development of nursing professionals. Purposes: This study aims to develop an integrated nursing competency framework for Vietnam by synthesizing: (1) the National Nursing Competency Standards of Vietnam (2022), (2) internationally nursing competency models, and (3) validated nursing competency assessment instruments. Methods: The study employs a multi-phase approach: (1) content analysis of the Vietnamese competency framework (Decision No. 3474/QD-BYT, 2022); (2) a review of 16 competency models globally, leading to the selection of 6 representative models; and (3) a scoping review of 28 studies involving 5 nursing competency assessment instruments. Domains across these three sources were mapped thematically and synthesized into a unified framework. Findings: The integrated nursing competency framework were identified consisting of 7 domains that are based on the synthesis of 6 valued competency models around the world, 5 validated competency assessment tools and the National Nursing Competency Standards of Vietnam. The 7 domains of the framework include (1) Legal and Ethical Practice, (2) Professional Clinical Care Competency, (3) Patient Safety and Dignity, (4) Communication, Health Education and Collaboration, (5) Leadership and Management, (6) Teaching, Research and Evidence-Based Practice, and (7) Professional Development. This structure reflects the convergence of national regulation, global expectations, and instrument-validated core competencies. Conclusion: This integrated framework offers a coherent foundation for nursing education, licensing, clinical training, and professional development in Vietnam. It enables standardized evaluation while ensuring cultural and regulatory alignment. Future research should focus on validating this integrated framework and developing standardized assessment tools.